Shimada's two offices concentrated exceptional authority over the Imperial Japanese Navy. As Navy Minister, he had already approved the plans for Pearl Harbor. Adding leadership of the naval staff brought political administration and high command together in one person. The combination is treated here as effective supreme naval command, with responsibility extending across both offices.
Notable Point · 4:11-4:59
Combining political and naval-staff authority
Shimada approved the Pearl Harbor plans as Navy Minister, then combined that office with the naval staff leadership in an unusually concentrated command role.